Auto chain fastener



Sept. 20,1927. H. LWN-LIS AUTO CHAIN FASTENER Filed Aug. 2s"1926 @trof/nega.

Patented Sept. 20, 1927.

UNITED: si'ln'ras HENRYVI. WILLIS, on coLrfAX, WASHINGTON.

nutro CHAIN FASTENER.

Application filed- August,l 28, 1,926.` Serial No. 132,173.`

This invention relates to connecting links, and more particularly connecting links designed for use in connection with anti-skidr chains for motor vehicles.

The primary object of the invention is toy provide connecting link which may be readily and easily locked in position on a chain, the construction being such that all danger of the link becoming accidentally disconnected will be eliminated. n

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a connecting link wherein the locking element thereof may be operated by the hands of the personapplying or removing the chain, without the use of'tools.

With the foregoing and otherv objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter ldescribed and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise' embodiment of the invention herein disclose-d, may Ybe made within the scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawing: n

Figure l is a plan view ofa connecting link constructed in accordance with the invention, the locking lever thereof being shown in dotted lines, in its inactive position.

Figure 2 is a side elevational Yview of the locking link. Y

Figure 3 is a side elevational view thereof showing the pivotedarm in dotted lines, as moved to its inactive position.

Figure i is a sectional view taken on line 4.-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Figure 3. v

Referring to the drawing in detail, the device includes a body portion indicated by the reference character 5 which is formed of a length of heavyvrnetal having one end thereof bent inwardly on itself as'at 6 to provide an eye for the reception of a link of a chain such as indicated at 7.

The opposite end of the body portion 5 is bifurcated, the furcations being bent inwardly upon the body of the linkt-0 provide eyes 8, the eyes being designedto receive the pivot pin 9 that connects the locking arm 10 to the bod portion.V This locking arm 1s substantialy long and extends to a point adjacent to the eye @as clearly shown by Figure of the drawing, Wherethe same is provided with a notch or keeper' for the reception of the locking ring 11, which is loosely mounted on the contracted portion 12 of the body portion 5.

Anotch indicated at 13 is provided in the locking arm.Vv 10, at a point adjacent tothe pivot pin 9 vwhich notched portion provides a keeper for the link 14 at the opposite end of the chain.

Pivotally supported on the body portion 5 is a locking lever l5 which has a right angled end portion 16 wedge-shaped as shown by Figure 2 so that the right angled end 16 may be forced under the arm 10'to move the same upwardly into close -engagement with the ring 11.

An offset portion indicated at 17 is formed on the body portion and has an opening formed therein to receive the downwardly extended ng'er 18 of the locking lever 15 which is adapted to spring into thev opening as the finger 18 moves across the body portion in its movement to its active position.

In order that ther locking lever may be conveniently operated, an upwardly extended finger 19 is provided, which may be grasped by the fingers of the op-erator and lifted to move the pin 18 out of the opening so that the locking lever may be moved laterally'toV its inactive position.

It is thought that in View of the foregoing detailed description, a further detail description of the operation of the device is unnecessary.

I claim:

1. A locking link for chains including a body portion, means for securing a link of a chain to one end of a body portion, a locking arm pivotally supported by the body portion and said arm adapted to be swung over a link of a chain, said arm having a cut out portion in its upper surface, a ring member carried by the body'portion and adapted to be slid over thebo'dy portion, and means for forcing the arm upwardly into engagelll() ment with the ring member to lock the arm f for chains including aV a chain to one end of a body portion, a locking arm adapted to be swung overa link of a chain to removably secure the last mentioned link to the body portion, a locking ring ada' ted to be slid'over the arm, anda locking ever carried by the body portionv arm and adapted te be moved under t.

`force tbe :nini into engagement Wit-b tbe locking ring.

3. A looking` link for elntins includingr :L body portion, means for securing an end link of a chain to one end of :L body portion, :L looking,1r firm carried by the body portion and adapted to be swung over im end link of a ebnin to look the second mentioned link to tbe body portion, ny looking ring adapted to be slid over the firm, and :L locking lever haw ing :i n'edgjehuped end adapted to be forced under tbe arm to move the arm into close engagement n'itb tbe locking;r ring.

Il. A lookingl link for elmins including' n body portion, a locking arm pivotally conneeted to the body portion at one end tliere of, said arm adapted to :swing over the body portion to look a elmin link to the body portion, a ring slidzlble on tbe body portion und engaging tbe nrni to hold the arm against nn'nf'ei'nent, n locking lever having n right. angled extremity, pivotnlly Connected to the body portion, tbe right angled extremity adapted to be forced under the lever to move tbe lever upwardly into engngelnent with tlie ring, sind means for looking the locking lover against accidental displaeenient.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing :Ls iny own, I have hereto alixed my Signature.

HENRY I. WTILLIS. 

